Baby Mother (Echo Beach, 2005)

*GUEST REVIEW*
I saw Ari Up a year or so ago with her band. She had a great stage presence, was enjoying herself and was brave enough to have a set which included her classics, solo material and a new tune or two. For those who don't know her pedigree, Ari has been involved in music since her mid teens. She is best known for being a member of The Slits, who were produced by Dennis Bovell. She was also involved with a few On-U Sound projects including The New Age Steppers. Baby Mother is a four track EP, released on the Echo Beach label with Ari taking the lead vocals. Her vocals can be quite dexterous and interesting but are a bit too low in the mix for my liking at times. The riddims are just too nice and session lite, and are especially bland on "Exterminator." Baby Mother is the highlight here, but still fails to match her live dancehall numbers. It has the best riddim, and is the toughest track on the EP, but is crying out for a reworking. I wonder if any of the Shockout artist will get her in the studio for a session. If Sister Nancy can work successfully with DJ Rupture, why can't Ari work with The Bug?

- ragudave